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Frequently Asked Questions
What equipment do I need to connect to the Internet with a dial-in account?All you need is a modem with your computer (internal or external) and a telephone line. Newer Windows/Macintosh computers include dial-in software. How can I check to see if my area has a local number to dial into?Go to http://www.mi-twp.org/cgi-bin/dialaccess.pl and choose your area code from the drop down list, then enter the first 3 digits of the number you will be calling from.(example: if your phone number 734-615-6110 then enter 734-615) Click the find button and it will return the local numbers available in your area. Where can I use my Dial-in account?You can use it in your office at work, at home, or when traveling throughout the state. Can I use my Dial-in account when I travel in Michigan?Yes, we have over 200 dial-in locations throughout Michigan, plus numbers in New York City, Washington, D.C., and Windsor, Canada. See http://www.mi-twp.org/numbers.html for a complete list of access numbers. What happens if there is not a local number for me to dial into?We will have one installed. Merit is continuously adding more local numbers as a result of projects like the MTA and the Teacher Technology Initiative (TTI). Both of these projects have costs built into them to install new lines in areas where we do not currently have a local number. However, this process could take as long as 8 weeks. What is DSL?DSL is a Digital Subscriber Line and is nothing more than Internet access over an ordinary copper phone line. Some phone systems do not support DSL. DSL will not be available from any provider if:
If you can get DSL service, most Telco's cannot guarantee your connection speed until after the line is installed. Even though DSL speeds are faster than a modem, the monthly charges are much higher. You can only use your DSL service in one location, while you can call a local dial-in number from virtually anywhere in Michigan. Does Merit Network offer DSL?No. Merit currently does not offer DSL service because it is limited to certain areas in the state and in these areas other cost effective solutions are available. What is ISDN?Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN). It was originally designed as a "next generation" telephone system, integrating voice and data into one connection. ISDN BRI (Basic Rate Interface) can offer two independent data channels of 64K bps each, or 128K bps when combined into one connection. It is faster and more reliable than a standard Dial-in connection. ISDN BRI is ideal, since it gives access to most of the services available in an office including: telephony, fax, e-mail, and Internet access. The fast dialup speed and high throughput (when compared to a conventional modem) offers a more effective working environment for eight or more users. To see if ISDN is available in your area call your local phone company. What kind of Internet connection speeds are available for ISDN?If you only use 1 channel you can get up to 64K bps, for 2 channels up to 128K bps. Can I use my Township's ISDN line at home?No, it is a special line that is brought in directly to your Townships office. However, if you have an ISDN line at your home then you can use it to dial-up to MichNet if it is available in your area. Do you offer cable modem service?No, cable modems are only available through your local cable company. I already have a cable modem at home. How would the dial-in package benefit me?You can use your cable modem while at home, but not when you are on the road. The MichNet Dial-in Network provides local dial-in access throughout Michigan, and in New York City, Washington, D.C., and Windsor, Ontario. In addition, the dial-in package will provide you with a township e-mail address that you can use for official township business. I only have one phone line in my Township building but there are four of us who would like to use the Internet. Do you have any suggestions?You can all share this connection with devices like a modem/hub or Web Ramp. You must connect your computers together in a shared environment known as a peer-to-peer network. However, Merit does not provide the equipment or support of this, you will need to hire or work with someone who can set it up. What is a Domain Name and what will my Township's name be?A Domain Name is a unique identifier (Web address) for your Township, for example, coe.mi-twp.org. Merit will help you get your name setup to use to identify your Township on the World Wide Web. If you already have a domain name we can transfer it to Merit. How long will it take me to get my domain name setup?If you are registering your domain as part of the MTA project established with Merit Network
( Where can I go to see if a domain name is available?Go to the Network Solutions web site http://www.netsol.com/ and type in the desired name you would like to register. This site supports .org, .net, and .com's, but not US domain names like twp.coe.mi.us. What if we already have services with another Internet Service Provider (ISP)?Not a problem. You are not bound to any service provider. However you must check your contract to find out when you can transfer existing Internet services to Merit. We will assist you with the transition. Can we get additional e-mail accounts?Yes, contact Merit's Not-for-Profit support team for pricing by calling us at 734-615-6110 or e-mail us at nfpsupport@merit.edu. |
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